Been meaning to ask this. Born and raised here. With a population of 35,771, Marion is a smaller city. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Does this match your experience?
0 upvotes
4 Replies
Amelia Reed
underrated comment
33 upvotes
Jordan Richardson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Raleigh it's underrated.
22 upvotes
Thomas R.
as a local I can confirm
18 upvotes
Leo R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 36, moved here 9 years ago from New York. I've lived in Sunset and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The dating scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for young professionals. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from New York, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.